Research confirms kiwifruit health benefits

Recent research, carried out by the University of Otago, New Zealand, confirmed the potential of kiw…

Recent research, carried out by the University of Otago, New Zealand, confirmed the potential of kiwifruit to bestow high levels of Vitamin C upon the consumer. Professor Margreet Vissers,who led the research explains further.

"The Vitamin C in kiwifruit is found throughout the flesh with relatively even distribution - there is none in the seeds."

Although the Vitamin C content is spread evenly throughout the fruit and all kiwifruit is high in content, Professor Vissers says some varieties have more than others.

"All varieties have high Vitamin C levels, but there is variation between them. The most common green variety has around 80mg per 100g, the gold has more than 100mg per 100g and some of the new green varieties have as much as 160mg per 100g.

"This may make the new green even more desirable, although all varieties are rated as excellent."

In fact the fruit is so excellent for bestowing the vitamin that both green and gold varieties outrank a wide range of of other fruits with good reputations where vitamin C is concerned. Kiwifruit, for example, outperforms all citrus, when it comes to Vitamin C.

Vitamin C consumption has long been heralded as helping to keep illness at bay and even small quantities are known to prevent onset of scurvy. Optimal consumption though, is considered to be even more beneficial and is thought to help deter certain cancers and heart issues.

The good news is that, as far as the body is concerned, you can't get enough of the stuff!

"To my knowledge," Professor Vissers says, "there is no known toxicity associated with any intake of Vitamin C. In order for our bodies to maintain optimal levels that are associated with good health outcomes, a daily intake of around 200-400 mg per day is recommended. To achieve this through the diet requires that at least one of your daily fruit servings should be a high value food like kiwifruit."